Mel Hebets died April 4, 2011 in Flagstaff. He was 85.

Mr. Hebets was born March 22, 1926, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was one of four boys who attended and graduated from St. Mary's High School in Phoenix. Mel was also a World War II veteran, having served in the US Navy aboard the USS Menard.

In 1953 he married Peggy Thompson. They lived in Phoenix until the fall of 1967 when they moved their family to Flagstaff. He was a businessman and active member of the community. His passion was his wife and five children. Mel's other interests were tennis and reading; as well as his many volunteer efforts with Flagstaff Little League, St. Vincent DePaul and the Flagstaff Family Food Center.

He is survived by his brother, William Hebets in Phoenix; his children Pam (Scott) Anderson, Jeff (Lexine) Hebets, Patti (Kirk) Rowdabaugh, Scott Hebets, Brad (Celeste) Hebets; six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; as well as a very large extended family.

A Rosary will be said at 7pm Thursday, April 14th, and the funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am Friday, April 15th. Both ceremonies will take place at Nativity Catholic Church downtown Flagstaff.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Northland Hospice or St. Vincent de Paul.